Age: 27
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Unit: Medical Department Activity
Time in service: seven years
Military Occupational Specialty: 68W combat medic specialist. These Army professionals administer emergency medical care in the field in both combat and humanitarian situations. Extensive training allows them to serve as a first responder and triage illnesses and injuries to save lives, much like a paramedic in the civilian world. Combat medics also train other Soldiers in lifesaver/first responder courses and provide care on base while not deployed, according to www.goarmy.com.
Why she enlisted: “I joined as a contingency out of college. I was recently married, and my wife and I were having children. She ended up miscarrying, and I needed money to help pay the bill.”
What it means to wear the Army uniform: “Initially, I didn’t think much of it, but my opinion has definitely changed. I love the Army. I think the most amazing part is what we stand for; our mission and our intent. As a military branch we support not only the government, but the populace of the United States, so as Soldiers we serve the people. To that end, I find it very inspiring, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
How the Army has developed her as a Soldier and individual: “I think it has helped me grow a lot. When I joined, I still had the mentality of a teenager. I think the military has provided me opportunities to be responsible for a lot of things. Those things have allowed me to grow and influence others in a positive way.”
Why the Army is different than any civilian job: “Camaraderie, what we stand for, but more than that, it’s all about the people to your right and left. On any given day, you’re working hard and working long hours; it may not be fun all the time, but there are some seriously special moments in there that has really changed my perspective on life. Also, the friendships I’ve gained, I’ll take with me forever.”
Goals and aspirations: “I’m definitely a career Soldier. Next year, I’ll go to school to become a 25E electromagnetic spectrum manager. I studied computer information technology and computer science in college, so it’s slightly in my wheelhouse. From there, I’d like to apply for warrant officer school and become a cyberwarfare intelligence warrant officer.”
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